The Ultimate Wizard-Style Skates Buyer’s Guide

When getting into Wizard-style skating, it's important to consider more than just the frames. Your choice of skates plays a crucial role in performance, comfort and support. 

What is Wizard-Style Skating?

Wizard-style skating is a growing creative inline skate movement which blends fluid movement and continuous edge control. It began because Leon Basin, founder of Wizard Skates, expanded on a kind of framework for how to move on inline skates. To fully understand it, we need to establish three things: the equipment, the movement, and the style.

First is the equipment. Rather than relying on historical setups, equipment was developed (in my view) specifically around how to make inline skating feel a certain way.

Second is the movement. The framework is not a list of "tricks", rather it is a movement literacy. It codifies edges, arcs, weight, and hips into a teachable movement syntax, turning isolated manoeuvres into a vocabulary. 

Finally, there is the style. Because the framework naturally supports creative and expressive ways of skating, it became the basis for what we now call Wizard-style, where mastery of the underlying syntax allows technical edge control to translate into creative expression and individual interpretation.

What is the framework based upon?

The movement is based on three fundamental stages:

• Predator - the ready position

• Parallels/Trees - turns using one or two feet 

• Gazelles/Lions - transitions using one or two feet, formed by combining two Parallels or Trees

These stages can be broken down further depending on the wheel edge, which foot you use, and whether they are "open" or "closed" (which is how your hip is positioned whilst moving). 

Building literacy in these movements allows general everyday skaters to enjoy both their equipment and the activity of inline skating more. Skaters interested in interpreting the moves more creatively often do so by performing them in an arc or semi-circle, moving intuitively from one to another, in sequence, without lifting their feet off the ground.

What Makes Wizard-Style Skating Equipment Unique?

5-Wheel Frames: Wizard-style frames use 5 smaller wheels (between 72mm and 84mm) with a progressive rocker, as opposed to 4-wheel frames with bigger wheels.

Frame Size Variability: Each frame size is proportioned to accomadate different foot lengths and boot sizes, making performance more consistent across users. 

Boots: Few Wizard-style specific boots exist, but any used should support your foot correctly. 

Best Skates for Wizard-Style Skating – Wizard Base & Wizard Base High

The Wizard Base and Wizard Base High skates offer the optimal experience for Wizard-style skating and are designed in two configurations:

• PR Frame - Designed for skill development and creative skating
  

• Advanced Frame - Best for obstacle-based and expert level Wizard-style skating (paired with the Base High boot for optimal control/support)
  
  

The skates are the best on the market for Wizard-style because of:

• Superior Lateral Support: Eliminates boot flex under heavy edge loads, resolving balance loss caused by cheaper/softer low cuffs, generic closures, and weaker liners.

• Flat UFS Boot: Replaces legacy raised heels (inherited from ice and hockey skates) with a zero-drop platform, minimising centre of gravity and maximising boot-to-frame connection.

• Engineering: Meticulously developed to deliver uncompromising performance across specialised edge control.

Best Alternative Skates for Wizard-Style Skating – Seba CJ Prime Skates

Used in Wizard’s early developments, the Seba CJ Prime Skates (plastic shell version) remains an good alternative. If a Wizard Base setup is a little out of reach, this boot is a workable alternative.

• Both Carbon & Plastic version was used in early Wizard setups, but are no longer available
  

• Requires removing the soul plate and purchasing 5-wheel frame inc. wheels & bearings 
  

• Adding a Wizard Intuition improves performance and fitment significantly

• Limited sizes available (EU38-44 only)
  
  

Best Budget Skates for Wizard-Style Skating – Iqon ACT

• Boot and frames are less unique to skaters foot size and proportions
  

• Makes entry simple and avoids customisation
  

• Small sizes are not available (under EU38)

165 (Raised Heel) SKates for Wizard-Style Skating – Flying Eagle R5

Another option worth mentioning featuring a 5-wheel setup is the Flying Eagle Shrike Pro R5, but it utilises a raised-heel boot. While it includes a taller liner for added support, the shell was originally designed for standard 4-wheel configurations (76mm or 80mm). As a result, beginner skaters may find edge control less intuitive compared to more purpose-built equipment outlined above, and the frame length remains uniform across all boot sizes.

What Frames Are Best for Wizard-Style Skating?

5-wheel UFS frames with a progressive rocker are best for Wizard-style skating. Wizard PR and Advanced Frames remain the gold standard, but alternative options are available, making the style more accessible. 

Brands like Endless, Kizer and NN create 5-wheel Wizard-style frames with different frame mounts (for raised heel boots and Trinity boots). This opens up the style to users who don't have UFS boots.

However, if you're new to skating, the variety of products can be confusing. To simplify, there are two types of Wizard-style frames: 

5-wheel frames with a progressive rocker. These typically have smaller wheels and are best suited for Wizard-style skating in flatland scenarios. While you can use them (carefully) for commuting, they truly shine in smooth, open spaces and are best for developing your Wizard-style moves. 

5-wheel frames with two larger wheels and three smaller wheels. These are more advanced frames that can be used in either flatland scenarios whilst also being well adapted for obstacle-based skating. These frames also emphasise toe and heel tricks, offering more creative possibilities. Ideally you'd use a high and stiff boot with this style. Generally not suited to beginners. 

Each brand that makes 5-wheel frames, regardless of what boot you can attach it to, meet these specifications in one way or another. 


What’s The Best Wheel Size For Wizard-Style?

Experienced skaters will be able to get value out of any wheel size, but the size you purchase should depend on your foot size, or your skill level. 

Check the product description or the listed sizes before you purchase as we usually provide detailed information from each brand / manufacturer about their recommendations.

Final Thoughts